Magdalena River

The Magdalena River is Colombia's principal river. Located in western Colombia, the river flows northward about 1,528 km (949 mi) through the western half of the country.

Originating at the bifurcation of the Central and Oriental Cordilleras of the Colombian Andes in the south, it empties into the Caribbean Sea near Barranquilla in the north.

The Magdalena River begins at the Magdalena Lagoon, at an elevation of 3,685 m (12,000 ft). As the river flows upstream, it is navigable for approximately 1,000 km (620 mi) until it reaches rapids near the town of Honda. After the rapids, the Magdalena is navigable again for nearly 240 km (150 mi).

Tributaries

The Magdalena River has more than ten tributaries, including the Cauca River, its primary tributary. Other tributaries include:

• Nare River: The Nare River originates in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes and flows south to north, eventually joining the Magdalena River near the city of Puerto Berrío.

• LeBrija River: The Lebrija River, a confluence of the Suratá River and the Río de Oro, originates in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes and joins with the Magdalena River near the Loma de Corredor, Puerto Wilches, Santander.

• San Jorge River: The San Jorge River begins in Paramillo National Park and runs between the mountains of San Geronimo and Ayapel before flowing into the Cauca River in Sucre Department.

• La Miel River: The La Miel River originates in the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes and flows south to north, eventually joining the Magdalena River near the city of La Dorada.

• Cabrera River: The Cabrera River originates in the Cordillera Oriental of the Colombian Andes and flows south to north, eventually joining the Magdalena River near the city of Honda.

• Sogamoso River: The Sogamoso River, a confluence of the Chicamocha River and the Suárez River, originates in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes and flows northward until it joins with the Magdalena River near Barrancabermeja.

• Carare River: The Carare River originates in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes and flows northward, joining the Sogamoso River near Puerto Parra.

• Cesar River: The Cesar River originates in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and flows north to south, eventually joining the Magdalena River near the city of Gamarra.

• Páez River: The Páez River originates in the Western Cordillera of the Colombian Andes and flows south to north, eventually joining the Magdalena River near the village of Remolino del Vicho.

Magdalena River Basin

The Magdalena River and its main tributary, the Cauca River, form a hydrographical basin of over 272,000 sq km (105,000 sq mi), covering 24 % of the national territory (including 19 of 32 Colombian departments). It encompasses various ecosystems, including the Andean highlands, the Magdalena Valley, and the Caribbean coast.

Home to 80% of the nation's 48 million inhabitants and essential for centuries as the principal artery linking the country's interior with the Caribbean Sea, the river and basin are the main driving force of the local economy.

As the fifth largest river in South America, its watershed supports many crops, including coffee, corn, plantains, manioc and cacao. The basin produces approximately 86% of the country's GDP and 75% of its agricultural production. It also provides drinking water for 38 million people. 

Cities or towns near the river include La Dorada, Neiva, Puerto Boyacá, Santa Cruz de Mompox, Puerto Berrio, and Honda.

Currently, the river has two dams, the Betania Dam and the Quimbo Dam, producing 70% of the country's hydroelectric energy and 90% of its thermoelectric power.

Flora and Fauna

The Magdalena River and basin are home to many diverse ecosystems, including forests, mountains, valleys, and wetlands.

The basin supports more than 2,700 species of animals, many of which are endemic to the region. This includes the Grey-legged Night Monkey (Aotus griseimembra) and many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. It is home to hundreds of fish and elusive river turtles, tortoises, manatees, caiman, iguanas, crocodiles, and pelicans.

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